East Cork public transport
Liam Quaide criticised the lack of Local Link coverage and poor bus services in east Cork, along with congestion around the Lake View roundabout. The Taoiseach said he knew the area, highlighted existing transport investment, and the Chair cut off further debate.
The Taoiseach will be familiar with the fact that Local Link bus services have greatly improved mobility and quality of life in many rural communities. However, I ask him to visit east Cork where a Local Link service has not been developed and where the existing bus service is nothing short of an absolute shambles.
In villages such as Ballycotton, Cloyne, Aghada and Saleen, residents may as well be living on a remote island when it comes to public transport. Not only that but they face entrenched traffic gridlock around the Lake view roundabout every morning and evening.
I am aware the public service obligation for the Department of Transport is chronically underfunded. The Department has excellent officials who want to enhance existing Local Link routes sand develop new ones but they are prevented from doing so by the Department of public expenditure. The public want Local Link in east Cork, the Department of Transport wants it and local operators are keen to provide those services, yet the cold accounting of the Department of public expenditure says "No". That Department is neglecting its duty to the wider economy and society as a whole. This is a Fianna Fáil Ministry. Will the Taoiseach come down to east Cork and see for himself the level of need there?
Comment on this
I have been to east Cork on many occasions and continue to go there. The Local Link service has been a very significant enhancement for public transport across rural Ireland and has undergone significant expansion in recent years. The been a huge investment in the Cork to Midleton railway line has had a huge impact on east Cork and on to Cobh and has made public transport a real option. Further significant investment in that commuter rail service will increase the frequency of the service and its availability for people to go to work or to use it for other activities. As soon as the resources become available, we will be in a position to expand the Local Link.
There are limits to what the Government can do in any one year. Our public expenditure, both current and capital, is at a very high level, and we have been criticised for our public expenditure outlays.
